Plum - Tangerine - Cola

Farm: Kabumbu Estate

Producer: Joseph Mugo Karaba

Region: Kirinyaga

Altitude: 1500 - 1750 MASL

Varietal: SL28, SL34, Batian

Process: Washed  

Transparency Report: Available Here. 

Notes: Kabumbu is an estate located in the foothills of extinct volcano, Mt Kenya. Owned and managed by Joseph Mugo Karaba who inherited the farm from his father, the family’s beautiful crops have been gracing the five-acre property since the 1960s.

The area surrounding Kabumbu is characterised by its bright red, nutrient-rich volcanic soil and cool climate, both of which contribute to the outstanding quality of the coffees produced on this farm. Joseph made the decision to plant his farm with 100% Batian, a new hybrid variety bred specifically for its high yields, disease resistance and potential for excellent cup quality. Also joining the Kabumbu family this year are some SL28 seedlings. We’re excited to taste the first crop in a couple of years’ time!

Small-scale, independent farmers like Joseph who process coffees themselves are in a position to directly control quality in everything - from harvesting and picking, through to processing and drying. The resulting coffee reflects the incredible degree of hard work and attention to managing variables that Joseph so carefully pours into his work. The cherries for this lot were carefully handpicked by Joseph and his team and sorted to ensure only the ripest were processed. This beautiful coffee showcases the benefits of farmer-owner operation at their best.

To learn more about Transparency in coffee pricing and why it's so important, check out our Transparency Project.